Exciting cross-section of moods and styles by new American composers.

All the music on this disc was originally created, performed and recorded for "Dogs of Desire," the new music ensemble of the Albany Symphony Orchestra. Richard Adams, Arthur Bloom, Evan Chambers and John Fitz Rogers are all young composers at the beginning of their careers. Give them a listen! See if you enjoy what they are doing. Kamran Ince is a composer who has been long associated with the Albany Symphony. There is a disc of his symphonic works and piano concerto that has been out on Argo for quite some time, not to mention the disc of his Chamber music that is available on Albany. All compositions on this disc were recorded in the wonderful Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and after they were performed before subscription audiences. This means they are beautifully played by the orchestra.

Review:

"Whimsy and beauty are sorely lacking from much of the contemporary repertoire. That sad fact makes Arthur Bloom's refreshing Life is Like a Box of Chocolates something of an oddity. Bloom's piece, which shamelessly borrows form the movie "Forest Gump," is a baroque parody chockablock with humor and ingenuity. It is an altogether enjoyable outing. Although if you are prone to taking the newest music seriously, you probably won't like it. Richard Adams's Brutal Reality is a brilliantly written little flourish, tonal, rhythmically straightforward, and completely absorbing....The Albany Symphony performance is crisp, and there are enough terrific finds on this disc to give it a high recommendation." (American Record Guide)